Discussion Topics for Today's Classroom

Monthly Archives: November 2016

Description: The U.S. stock market is partying like it’s 1999. Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Nov 25, 2016 Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-11-25/u-s-stocks-rise-to-record-as-trump-rally-goes-on-for-third-week Questions for Discussions: Summarize what has happened in markets recently and the reasons presented in this report. Do you think this is a start of a Santa Claus rally?

Description: His 1999 thought on annual returns were on point. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Nov 22, 2016 Link: http://for.tn/2gec1Cj Questions for Discussions: What were Warren Buffett’s predictions? Why do you think he was able to be so accurate? Do you think a 6% return is “fair” return to investors?

Description: CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Gold will have to decline even further before contrarian analysis flashes a buy signal. Source: MarketWatch.com Date: Nov 24, 2016 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-gold-hasnt-yet-hit-bottom-2016-11-23 Questions for Discussions: Summarize what is happening in the gold market? What do you think will happen in the near future?

Description: Apple Inc. took a record majority of world-wide smartphone profit share in the third quarter as Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. plunged in the wake of the disastrous Note 7 recall. Source: MarketWatch.com Date: Nov 25, 2016 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/apple-nabs-obscene-share-of-smartphone-profit-thanks-to-samsungs-note-7-debacle-2016-11-25 Questions for discussion: What are the financial consequences of Samsung’s problems this year? Do you think… Read more »

Description: Wells Fargo has asked a Federal District Court to order dozens of customers who are suing the bank over the opening of unauthorized accounts to resolve their disputes in private arbitrations instead of court, according to legal documents. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Nov 24, 2016 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/24/business/wells-fargo-asks-court-to-force-customers-to-arbitration-in-fake-accounts-cases.html?ref=business&_r=0 Questions for Discussions: What are the managerial and… Read more »

Description: But will policy confusion spoil the celebration? Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Nov 18, 2016 Link: http://for.tn/2fJZ2VM Questions for Discussions: What does the report say about market perceptions of economic conditions at this time? What do you think the Trump administration will change and how will this play out in stocks and bonds?

Description: Here’s a sign that Wall Street believes Donald Trump will be able to make America grow again: small-cap stocks are on fire since the election. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Nov 18, 2016 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2016/11/18/investing/small-cap-stocks-trump-election/index.html?iid=hp-toplead-dom Questions for Discussions: What is the basis for Wall Street’s confidence in small-caps? Do you agree with this… Read more »

Description: Donald Trump’s shock victory over Hillary Clinton in the presidential race has implications for all sectors of the economy, from the highly regulated health care, energy and financial sectors, to the much less-regulated tech sector that makes most of its parts and products overseas and employs many foreign workers. Source: MarketWatch.com Date: Nov 18,… Read more »

Description: Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. continues to be haunted by its ties to the Philidor speciality pharmacy as former executives from both companies face charges in a multimillion-dollar kickback scheme. Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Nov 17, 2016 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/investing/market-moves/former-valeant-executive-and-former-philidor-ceo-charged-with-fraud-in-pharmacy-probe Questions for discussion: What is the legal case against the firm based on? What are the financial… Read more »

Description: Brookfield Asset Management Inc. is selling off assets and paying down bank lines after an eight-year bull run in stocks and bonds near highs, joining investors such as Warren Buffett and Canada’s Prem Watsa in accumulating cash. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Nov 11, 2016 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-11-11/brookfield-ceo-says-cash-is-king-after-8-year-stocks-bull-market Questions for Discussions: What does the article say about… Read more »